If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Re: 9 Frame Spacer

When I give the hive a super with foundation, I use ten. It seems like they draw the comb better....without as many bridges and more evenly. When giving them frames with drawn comb, I use 9 for much the same reason as you want.

Dan www.boogerhillbee.com
Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards

Re: 9 Frame Spacer

They can get gunked up with propolis and wax which makes the frames more difficult to remove. The end bars are in a cradle and you cannot slide them sideways with your hive tool to break the seal.

Just space the 9 or 8 frames out evenly in the box. Also, if you decide to go back to 10 frames in that box there is nothing you need to remove. For me it keeps things simple and allows adaptability. That's just my preference, everyone has their own management style they are comfortable with.

Re: 9 Frame Spacer

1+ not using the nail in spacers. i spent a lot of time last year putting them in, and twice as much time this year taking them out.

the biggest problem is that they give small hive beetles too much sanctuary. and it is harder to get the frames out as mentioned above.

i just eyeball the spacing for the nine frames in my honey supers, (still use ten in the brood chamber). and yes, your honey combs will get drawn out thicker making them easier to uncap with the knife.

journaling the growth of a treatment free apiary started in 2010. 20+/- hives